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fatty acid
noun
1
: any of numerous saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids CnH2n+1COOH (such as acetic acid) including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils
2
: any of the saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids (such as palmitic acid) usually with an even number of carbon atoms that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils
Examples of fatty acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Shrimp tails aren’t particularly high in omega-3 fatty acid, iron or iodine.
—Erik Vance, New York Times, 28 May 2024
But Take Note Although marketed as hypoallergenic, this detergent contains coconut fatty acids—which may worry you if your baby is allergic to coconut.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 27 May 2024
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can affect the electrical rhythms of the heart, in particular the beating of the upper, or atrial, chambers.
—Alice Park, TIME, 21 May 2024
Mustard seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for fatty acid
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fatty acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near fatty acid
Cite this Entry
“Fatty acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatty%20acid. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
fatty acid
noun
: any of numerous acids that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and occur naturally in fats and various oils
Medical Definition
fatty acid
noun1
: any of numerous saturated aliphatic acids CnH2n+1COOH (as lauric acid) containing a single carboxyl group and including many that occur naturally usually in the form of esters in fats, waxes, and essential oils
2
: any of the saturated or unsaturated organic acids (as palmitic acid) that have a single carboxyl group and usually an even number of carbon atoms and that occur naturally in the form of glycerides in fats and fatty oils
More from Merriam-Webster on fatty acid
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fatty acid
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